Antidiarrheals are medications used in the treatment of diarrhea (frequent, loose stools).
What is a common OTC antidiarrheal?
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Loperamide (Imodium) can be obtained over the counter. Loperamide (Imodium) is generally considered to be a safe drug with few side effects.
What is a common controlled antidiarrheal?
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Dephenoxylate / atropine (Lomotil) is a schedule V antidiarrheal. Dephenoxylate has the opoid properties of decreasing perstalsis, sedation, and euphoria, but no analgesic effect.
What is the most common antidiarrheal side effect?
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Overuse of antidiarrheals may cause constipation.
What is a laxative?
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Laxatives induce defecation. They are generally used to treat constipation.
For what conditions other than simple constipation would a laxative be ordered?
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Laxatives can also be given to keep stools soft to prevent straining. Preventing straining is especially important for persons with cardiac problems, or who suffer from hemorrhoids or anal fissures. Laxatives may also be prescribed for bowel cleansing prior to surgery or diagnostic testing.
What are some classes of laxatives?
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1. Bulk-producing laxatives: add bulk to the contents of the intestines, stimulating peristalsis and facilitating the movement of stool through the intestines.
2. Emolient laxatives: lubricate the intestinal walls and soften the stool.
3. Saline laxatives: pull water into the intestines, causing an increase in peristalsis.
4. Irritant laxatives: cause a direct irritation onto the intestinal walls thus increasing peristalsis.
What is psyllium (Metamucil)?
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Psyllium (Metamucil) is a bulk-producing laxative.
What are some specific nursing considerations when administering psyllium (Metamucil)?
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Psyllium (Metamucil) is granular and must be dissolved in water or juice. The mixture will harden as it settles (like cold oatmeal), so don’t mix until just ready to drink. Psyllium (Metamucil) should be given with a full glass of water or juice so the mixture doesn’t harden in the GI system.
What is mineral oil?
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Mineral oil is an emolient laxative.
What are some specific nursing considerations when administering mineral oil?
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Fat soluble vitamins bind with mineral oil and may not be absorbed. Mineral oil should not be given with meals or with vitamin pills.
The GI System - Antidiarrheals and Laxatives
Roach, Chapter 48
What is an antidiarrheal?
What is a common OTC antidiarrheal?
What is a common controlled antidiarrheal?
What is the most common antidiarrheal side effect?
What is a laxative?
For what conditions other than simple constipation would a laxative be ordered?
What are some classes of laxatives?
2. Emolient laxatives: lubricate the intestinal walls and soften the stool.
3. Saline laxatives: pull water into the intestines, causing an increase in peristalsis.
4. Irritant laxatives: cause a direct irritation onto the intestinal walls thus increasing peristalsis.
What is psyllium (Metamucil)?
What are some specific nursing considerations when administering psyllium (Metamucil)?
What is mineral oil?
What are some specific nursing considerations when administering mineral oil?
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